Scientists Learn to Block Pain at Its Source: New Non-Addictive Painkillers from Substance Similar to Ingredient in Hot Chili Peppers

ScienceDaily (Apr. 26, 2010) — A substance similar to capsaicin, which gives chili peppers their heat, is generated at the site of pain in the human body. Scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have discovered how to block these capsaicin-like molecules and created a new class of non-addictive painkillers.